Anemia in men

Anemia is a condition where the hemoglobin content in the blood is low. This may be due to several reasons.

While the symptoms of anemia are similar in men and women, the reason may not always be the same. In women, anemia is very common due to iron deficiency and blood loss.

Men suffer from anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B12, lead poisoning, liver, and gall bladder problems that affect the red blood cells. Blood loss anemia is seen in men too. However, unlike women who lose blood due to menstruation and childbirth, in men the reason may be chronic peptic ulcers, colon cancer, etc.

The symptoms of anemia include:

1. Feeling tired all the time
2. Sleeplessness or excessive sleepiness
3. Irritability
4. Easy panting
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Leg cramps
7. Dizziness
8. Inability to concentrate

Vitamin B12 deficiency is manifested as a prickly sensation in the hands and feet, wobbly gait, loss of the sense of touch. Late stages may show dementia, hallucinations, and schizophrenia.

Chronic lead poisoning anemia can be diagnosed by the characteristic bluish black line along the gums along with abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation.

Excessive alcoholism, a diet rich in fats and inadequate exercise can cause liver and gall stone problems. They eventually affect the red blood cells and anemia is the most commonly seen symptom.

Chronic peptic ulcers due to faulty eating habits or eating unhealthy foods can cause bleeding and consequently blood loss anemia. Cancers of the colon are also more common in men. This is one more reason for blood loss and anemia.

Blood loss anemia due to accidents and road traffic injuries are also seen more in men as compared to women.

Whatever the reason be, if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible.